The Teessiders welcome the Royals to the Riverside Stadium still basking in the glory of their 1-0 Boxing Day victory over then leaders Burnley, which came hot on the heels of a 2-0 win at Millwall.

Full-back Fraser Richardson missed Thursday's game with an ankle problem, while striker Muzzy Carayol sat out with a slight groin strain. Both men are being assessed and could yet return to boost Karanka's options.

However, goalkeeper Jason Steele (ankle) and striker Kei Kamara (medial ligaments) are expected to remain on the sidelines until the new year, while full-back Stuart Parnaby, who has a knee problem, is currently away from the club on compassionate leave.

Reading will check on Jordan Obita and Garath McCleary.

Midfielder Obita missed the Boxing Day defeat at Leicester with a sickness bug which also restricted winger McCleary to a place on the bench to make up the numbers.

Boss Nigel Adkins only had 18 players available after Hal Robson-Kanu was ruled out with a knee injury which could also sideline him at the Riverside.